September 11, 2012 2:07pm EDTSeptember 11, 2012 12:13pm EDTAny speculation of Reggie Wayne's demise was off base, as he leads the NFL in catches and receiving yards after Week 1. No one should question Wayne’s work ethic, durability and importance to rookie quarterback Andrew Luck.

Mike Chappell

Any speculation of the wide receiver's demise was off base. Exhibit A was Wayne’s opening-day performance at Chicago: nine catches, 135 yards. He leads the NFL in each category. No one should question Wayne’s work ethic, durability and importance to rookie quarterback Andrew Luck.

The No. 1 pick in the draft attempted 45 passes against the Bears. Eighteen were directed at Wayne. Wayne lacks deep speed, but he runs crisp routes and catches virtually everything thrown at him.

On more than one occasion, Wayne made a difficult catch seem routine. Barring injury to either player, look for Luck and Wayne to post huge numbers this season.

Essex added to shaky O-line

The roster shuffling continued, and the latest shouldn’t be dismissed as just minor tweaking. G.M. Ryan Grigson signed veteran lineman Trai Essex. The addition came after a less-than-inspiring performance by the offensive line in the 20-point loss to the Bears, and after right tackle Winston Justice exited the game with a concussion.

Essex is a seven-year veteran who can play tackle, guard and center. He was viewed as a solid backup and occasional starter in his seven seasons with the Steelers. With the Colts, Essex could be thrown into the fire immediately.

He would represent an upgrade over Seth Olsen at left guard—Olsen started in place of injured Joe Reitz (knee) Sunday—and could slide in and start until Justice is cleared to return. Jeff Linkenbach stepped in when Justice went down, but he isn’t the answer at right tackle.

The biggest problem in protection against the Bears was inside pressure. Guards Olsen and Mike McGlynn and center Samon Satele allowed too much penetration and forced Luck to slide outside of the pocket on too many occasions.